Carrier Solution Research Articles

Nonenzymatic sensor for determination of glucose in blood plasma based on nickel oxyhydroxide in a microfluidic system of cotton thread

The development of new non-enzymatic method for determination of glucose using a screen-printed electrode modified with carbon nanotubes and nickel ions (SPCE/CNT-Ni) as an amperometric detector in a microfluidic system based on textile threads is described. Excellent adsorption performance for nickel ions was achieved using pretreated CNT under acid conditions. Good voltammetric stability and repeatability were verified for electrochemical process associated to Ni(OH)2/NiOOH redox couple. In presence of glucose a significant catalytic effect related with chemical oxidation of carbohydrate by NiOOH was observed. Microfluidic system was assembled on a 3D-printed platform constructed with ABS polymer and nine cotton threads parallel arranged. The device provided a stable flow rate of carrier solution (0.697μLs−1) and low-consumption of samples and reagents (volume of injection of 1.5μL). Under optimized conditions (0.01molL−1 of NaOH as carrier solution, amount of modifier and+0.45V of potential of detection) a linear dynamic range (LDR) from 25 to 1000 μmolL−1 was obtained, with a limit of detection (LOD) 3.9μmolL−1, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 13 μmolL−1 and an analytical frequency of 110 injections per hour. Effect of concomitants species such as ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid has been investigated. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of glucose in a commercial blood serum human (original and spiked) sample.

Separation and size characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles in environmental waters using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation

There are few studies on separation and size characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), which have wide applications in several science and technology areas, in the environment. In this work, we report a method for the separation and size characterization of ZnO-NPs by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to UV-vis detector. Experimental conditions such as composition of the carrier solution, focus time, crossflow, detector flow rate and injection volume were systematically studied in terms of NPs separation, recovery, and repeatability. Size characterization was achieved using polystyrene nanoparticles as a size standard and a mixture of < 35 nm (NP-A) and < 100 nm (NP-B) ZnO-NPs were separated and size characterized posterior preconcentration using ultracentrifugation. The method was also employed to characterize the size of homemade ZnO-NPs, and the results were in concordance with dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and thus, the method can be used as an alternate method. Upon application on environmental water samples, the two ZnO-NPs, NP-A and NP-B, have been separated and size characterized. The estimated hydrodynamic sizes of the NP-A and NP-B were found to be in the range of 83–97 nm and 188–202 nm, respectively, with good precision (RSD, <11%), suggesting that the current method can satisfactorily separate and generate information about sizes of the NPs in samples with a complex matrix. Therefore, the developed technique can be used as a baseline to investigate size related environmental processes of the NPs in environmental water samples.

A Mixed Deep Recurrent Neural Network for MEMS Gyroscope Noise Suppressing

Currently, positioning, navigation, and timing information is becoming more and more vital for both civil and military applications. Integration of the global navigation satellite system and /inertial navigation system is the most popular solution for various carriers or vehicle positioning. As is well-known, the global navigation satellite system positioning accuracy will degrade in signal challenging environments. Under this condition, the integration system will fade to a standalone inertial navigation system outputting navigation solutions. However, without outer aiding, positioning errors of the inertial navigation system diverge quickly due to the noise contained in the raw data of the inertial measurement unit. In particular, the micromechanics system inertial measurement unit experiences more complex errors due to the manufacturing technology. To improve the navigation accuracy of inertial navigation systems, one effective approach is to model the raw signal noise and suppress it. Commonly, an inertial measurement unit is composed of three gyroscopes and three accelerometers, among them, the gyroscopes play an important role in the accuracy of the inertial navigation system’s navigation solutions. Motivated by this problem, in this paper, an advanced deep recurrent neural network was employed and evaluated in noise modeling of a micromechanics system gyroscope. Specifically, a deep long short term memory recurrent neural network and a deep gated recurrent unit–recurrent neural network were combined together to construct a two-layer recurrent neural network for noise modeling. In this method, the gyroscope data were treated as a time series, and a real dataset from a micromechanics system inertial measurement unit was employed in the experiments. The results showed that, compared to the two-layer long short term memory, the three-axis attitude errors of the mixed long short term memory–gated recurrent unit decreased by 7.8%, 20.0%, and 5.1%. When compared with the two-layer gated recurrent unit, the proposed method showed 15.9%, 14.3%, and 10.5% improvement. These results supported a positive conclusion on the performance of designed method, specifically, the mixed deep recurrent neural networks outperformed than the two-layer gated recurrent unit and the two-layer long short term memory recurrent neural networks.

Variation in Clinical Application of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Review.

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) originating from gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies are associated with a poor prognosis and rapid disease progression. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an effective treatment option with curative intent. Hyperthermia enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby killing microscopic tumors and reducing the risk of tumor recurrence. Eight parameters potentially have an impact on the efficacy of HIPEC: the type of drug, drug concentrations, carrier solution, volume of the perfusate, temperature of the perfusate, duration of the treatment, the technique of delivery, and patient selection. In this review, a literature search was performed on PubMed, and a total of 564 articles were screened of which 168 articles were included. Although HIPEC is a successful treatment, there is no standardized method for delivering HIPEC: the choice of parameters is presently largely determined by institutional preferences. We discuss the current choice of the parameters and hypothesize about improvements toward uniform standardization. Quantifying the effect of each parameter separately is necessary to determine the optimal way to perform HIPEC procedures. In vivo, in vitro, in silico, and other experimental studies should shed light on the role of each of the eight parameters.

FI-ICP-OES determination of Pb in drinking water after pre-concentration using magnetic nanoparticles coated with ionic liquid

Accurate measurement of trace metals in environmental, biological and medical samples often requires the application of enrichment and/or isolation procedures. Among the many pre-concentration and/or matrix separation techniques available, solid phase extraction procedures (SPE) are most widely employed. In the last years, surface functionalized magnetic-nanoparticles have been introduced, which offer distinct improvements compared to conventional column-based SPE approaches. In the present work, a Flow-Injection (FI) procedure for on-line separation of magnetic nanoparticles from aqueous sample solutions with subsequent ICP-OES analysis is proposed. Silica-coated magnetic cobalt nanoparticles covered with an outer layer of ionic liquid were used as sorbent material. After analyte extraction, the particle suspension was directed through an electro-magnetic trap, thereby the analyte loaded particles were separated from the sample solution. For analysis, the electro-magnet was switched off and the particles were transferred with the carrier solution to the ICP-OES used for element-specific online analysis. Compared to batch-wise methods, the FI-approach offers an additional enrichment step and requires less manual sample manipulation. Applicability of the proposed FI-ICP-OES procedure was demonstrated by the analysis of Pb in the reference material ERM-CA022a and tap-water samples collected from different districts in Vienna, Austria.

Исследование иммобилизации пробиотиков как метода их защиты и доставки в желудочно-кишечный тракт человека

The relevance of research is the experimental and analytical justification of the effectiveness of the joint use of biopolymers of animal and plant origin as a substrate in the process of immobilization of the association of probiotic cultures. Researches are executed in specialized laboratories of universities: Omsk GAU, Saratov GAU, SKFU. In the form of a substrate were used: gelatin, χ-carrageenan, low-esterified pectin, modified starch; as bioobjects are selected: L. acidophilus, B. Lactis, S. thermophilus. To obtain reliable and complete characteristics, a set of research methods was used in the work: physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological. Investigation of immobilization allowed to determine the optimal ratio of biopolymers as a carrier (substrate): pectin and gelatin, as 2:1; the total concentration of solids of the carrier solution (20.0 ± 0.5)% by weight. The total number of viable cells of probiotic microorganisms in membranes (plates) is an average of lg (11.0 ± 0.55). In order to extend the shelf life, the membranes were dried in a freeze dryer, with parameters: the temperature of the frozen product (–25 °C) and the residual pressure in the sublimate 0.013–0.133 kPa. Immobilization by microencapsulation of the association of probiotic cultures of L. acidophilus, B. Lactis and S. thermophilus into a gel of biopolymers: gelatin food, pectin gene LM 106 AS-YA, starch in a ratio of 5:1:1 was studied by microencapsulation. The obtained microcapsules were studied in imitated gastric and intestinal conditions, while the number of viable probiotic cells was determined at different times of their degradation. It was established that 20–25% of viable cells of probiotics were released from capsules in the "artificial stomach" phase, 75–80% in the "artificial bowel" phase. Innovative biotechnologies of milk based products for specialized nutrition are presented.

Systematic Review of Variations in Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Peritoneal Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), combines radical surgery with abdominal heated chemotherapy, constituting a multimodal treatment approach. Since clear standards for HIPEC conduct in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are lacking, we aimed to provide a comprehensive structured survey. Data sources and study eligibility criteria: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, with keywords “HIPEC” and “colorectal cancer”, according to established guidelines. Articles were systematically screened, selecting 87 publications complemented by 48 publications identified through extended search for subsequent synthesis and evaluation, extracting inter alia details on used drugs, dosage, temperature, exposure times, and carrier solutions. Results: Compiled publications contained 171 reports on HIPEC conduct foremost with mitomycin C and oxaliplatin, but also other drugs and drug combinations, comprising at least 60 different procedures. We hence provide an overview of interconnections between HIPEC protocols, used drugs and carrier solutions as well as their volumes. In addition, HIPEC temperatures and dosing benchmarks, as well as an estimate of in vivo resulting drug concentrations are demonstrated. Conclusions and implications: Owing to recent developments, HIPEC conduct and practices need to be reassessed. Unfortunately, imprecise and lacking reporting is frequent, which is why minimal information requirements should be established for HIPEC and the introduction of final drug concentrations for comparability reasons seems sensible.

Transport Properties for Pharmaceutical Controlled-Release Systems: A Brief Review of the Importance of Their Study in Biological Systems.

The goal of this work was to comprehensive study the transport properties of controlled-release systems for the safe and reliable delivery of drugs. Special emphasis has been placed on the measurement of the diffusion of drugs, alone or in combination with carrier molecules for enhanced solubility and facilitated transport. These studies have provided detailed comprehensive information—both kinetic and thermodynamic—for the design and operation of systems for the controlled release and delivery of drugs. Cyclodextrins are among the most important carriers used in these systems. The basis for their popularity is the ability of these materials to solubilize poorly soluble drugs, generally resulting in striking increases in their water solubilities. The techniques used in these investigations include pulse voltammetry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopy, ultrasonic relaxation, and dissolution kinetics. Transport in these systems is a mutual diffusion process involving coupled fluxes of drugs and carrier molecules driven by concentration gradients. Owing to a strong association in these multicomponent systems, it is not uncommon for a diffusing solute to drive substantial coupled fluxes of other solutes, mixed electrolytes, or polymers. Thus, diffusion data, including cross-diffusion coefficients for coupled transport, are essential in order to understand the rates of many processes involving mass transport driven by chemical concentration gradients, as crystal growth and dissolution, solubilization, membrane transport, and diffusion-limited chemical reactions are all relevant to the design of controlled-release systems. While numerous studies have been carried out on these systems, few have considered the transport behavior for controlled-release systems. To remedy this situation, we decided to measure mutual diffusion coefficients for coupled diffusion in a variety of drug–carrier solutions. In summary, the main objective of the present work was to understand the physical chemistry of carrier-mediated transport phenomena in systems of controlled drug release.

Effects of cryoprotectant carrier solution tonicity on transport during organ perfusion

Effects of cryoprotectant carrier solution tonicity on transport during organ perfusion

5-Azacytidine Is Effective for Targeting Leukemia-Initiating Cells in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm of young children that originates from early hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. We have previously developed an in vivo disease model using xenotransplantation of primary JMML cells into Rag2-/-γc-/- mice (Haematologica 2016;101:597). The model reproduces a characteristic JMML phenotype including myelomonocytic proliferation, hepatosplenomegaly, and lung infiltration. Case-specific driver mutations and DNA methylation patterns are unchanged after xenologous engraftment, indicating their origin in leukemia-initiating cells.We and others recently discovered a tight link between prognosis and differential DNA methylation in JMML (Nat Commun 2017;8:2126; Nat Commun 2017;8:2127; Blood 2018;131:1576). We also reported that the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (azacitidine, 5AC) has unprecedented clinical activity in JMML and induces complete or partial remissions before allogeneic HSCT (Blood 2015;125:2311). Cytosine arabinoside (araC) is a structurally related nucleoside which is commonly used for cytoreduction in JMML but lacks the ability to induce remissions. Here we employed the xenotransplantation model to investigate the antileukemic activity and epigenetic effects of 5AC on JMML in comparison to araC.After eight weeks of leukemic expansion, 15 xenograft mice were treated with two cycles of 5AC (3 mg/kg/d x 5 days every two weeks). Control groups included mice treated with araC 20 mg/kg/d (N=15) or carrier solution (0.9% NaCl, N=20). The experimental animals maintained stable body weight, and no major toxicity on murine hematopoiesis was observed. 5AC and araC exhibited antileukemic activity and substantially reduced the human JMML cell content in bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lung. However, we noted that CD34+ stem/progenitor cells within the human leukemia population were depleted after treatment with 5AC but not after araC (5AC, 20.2% +/- 7.3%; araC, 35.6% +/- 6.1 %; carrier, 39.4% +/- 3.5%; p<0.01). To demonstrate that the selective reduction of CD34+ cells impaired the leukemia-initiating capacity of the xenograft, we treated a subsequent series of mice as above and retransplanted the bone marrow into secondary recipient mice. JMML cells obtained from 5AC-treated primary recipients sustained engraftment in only one of 9 secondary recipients at 30 weeks after retransplantation whereas JMML xenografts treated with araC or carrier engrafted in 8/13 or 4/8 secondary mice, respectively (p=0.03).We then examined the genome-wide DNA methylation in 5AC-treated xenografts (N=5) using Infinium 450K arrays. The JMML genomes exhibited global and profound DNA demethylation with near-complete loss of fully methylated CpG sites. A focused analysis of approximately 5,000 CpG sites with JMML-specific methylation illustrated that the profiles of 5AC-treated JMML cells were more similar to healthy human CD34+ cells than untreated JMML cells. As expected, no change in DNA methylation was observed in xenografts treated with araC.Next we studied the early effects of 5AC on the transcriptome and epigenome of JMML. Xenograft mice were treated as above, and JMML cells were harvested from bone marrow on days 0, 2, 4, and 6. RNA sequencing readily identified non-random changes in gene transcription that progressed over time from days 2 to 6 and were reproducible across replicate mice. Between days 0 and 6 we observed >2fold upregulation of 856 transcripts and downregulation of 958 transcripts (<0.01 false discovery rate, multitest-corrected). CpG-rich 5' regions (putative promoters) of corresponding genes were invariably demethylated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis linked upregulated transcripts to myeloid differentiation whereas downregulated transcripts were involved in nucleosome assembly/organization and chromatin silencing.In summary, the xenograft experiments highlight the therapeutic potential of 5AC in JMML and thus encourage the further clinical development of epigenetic therapy with hypomethylating agents for this disease. DisclosuresNiemeyer:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin for peritoneal carcinomatosis: a clinical pharmacological perspective on a surgical procedure.

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become the standard of care in the treatment of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin. The use of oxaliplatin for HIPEC has gained popularity. Although the HIPEC procedure is adopted throughout the world, major differences exist between treatment protocols regarding the carrier solution, perfusate volume, use of an open or closed technique, duration of the perfusion and application of additional flushing. These differences can influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxaliplatin and might thereby have an impact on the efficacy and/or safety of the treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the clinical importance of oxaliplatin pharmacology when performing HIPEC surgery. This review adds new insights into the complex field of the pharmacology of HIPEC and highlights an important worldwide problem: the lack of standardization of the HIPEC procedure.

ASO Author Reflections: Should We Be Using Dextrose-Containing Carrier Solutions for Perfusion During HIPEC?

ASO Author Reflections: Should We Be Using Dextrose-Containing Carrier Solutions for Perfusion During HIPEC?

Investigation of tin adsorption on silica nanoparticles by using flow field-flow fractionation with offline inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Flow field-flow fractionation (Fl-FFF) for silica nanoparticles with offline inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to investigate the adsorption behavior of tin onto silica nanoparticles. Effect of carrier solutions and membranes was studied to achieve better separation for silica nanoparticles prior to tin detection using ICP-MS. Investigation was carried out by using 0.25 mM ammonium carbonate and 0.02% FL-70 with 0.02% NaN3 as carrier solutions with 1 kDa regenerated cellulose (RC), 10 kDa regenerated cellulose (RC), and 10 kDa polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Ammonium carbonate carrier solution with suitable ionic strength provided good separation with minimization of particle-membrane interaction. Better retention was shown by employing 10 kDa RC membrane. Furthermore, Fl-FFF was employed for the separation of silica nanoparticles incubated with tin. Fractions eluted from Fl-FFF were collected and then introduced into ICP-MS. Tin was adsorbed onto silica nanoparticles with different adsorption capabilities depending on particle size. Adsorption of tin was greater on the smaller size of silica nanoparticles compared to the bigger size with the adsorption percentage of 98.5, 44.9, and 6.5 for 60 nm, 100 nm, and 200 nm, respectively. Size-dependent adsorption of tin was in good agreement with surface area per volume of silica nanoparticles.

A simple and sensitive non-chromatographic method for quantification of four arsenic species in rice by hydride generation−atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Herein, a simple, sensitive and effective non-chromatographic analytical method was developed for speciation analysis of four target arsenic (As) species in rice samples. The hydride generation conditions and sample pretreatment techniques were optimized for the determination of arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)]. For optimum results, hydrochloric acid/sodium citrate buffer (1.6 mol L−1 sodium citrate; pH 4.8) was used for the carrier solution and 0.06 mol L−1 citric acid for sample acidification. The concentrations of the four As species were determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry using a series of linear independent equations corresponding to four different sample pretreatment procedures. The limits of detection of the method were 0.21, 0.52, 0.65 and 0.9 μg kg−1 for As(III), As(V), MMA(V) and DMA(V), respectively. Extraction efficiencies (96–104%) and recoveries of As species in rice (95–100%) were always good, and interconversion among the four As species in the extract did not occur.

Determination of Ethyl Carbamate in Sugar Cane Spirit by Direct Injection Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry Using 18-Crown-6/Trifluoroacetic Acid Spiking Additives

In this work, we describe a 2-min direct injection electrospray tandem quadrupolar mass spectrometric method for ethyl carbamate (EC) detection in Brazilian sugar cane spirit (SCS). Analyses were carried out with 18-crown-6/trifluoracetic acid (30 ppm/0.1%) additives to sequester metal cations by eliminating unwanted [EC + Na]+ and [EC + K]+ ions, favoring analyte detection as sole [EC + H]+ ions. Standard addition of EC was carried out with 18-crown-6/trifluoracetic acid (30 ppm/0.1%), resulting in spiked SCS samples (0, 75, 150, 300, 450, 600, 750, and 900 μg L−1). A carrier solution of methanol:18-crown-6:trifluoroacetic acid (99.9:30 ppm:0.10, v/v/v) was pumped to the mass spectrometer using positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring of 90 > 62 for EC. The limits of detection and quantification were 7.5 and 75.0 μg L−1, respectively, and the dynamic range used was 75–900 μg L−1. The validation results and application of the method to the analysis of real samples and certified SCS demonstrate its applicability to quality control and regulatory analysis.

Extraction of Phenol from Bio-oil Produced by Pyrolysis of Coconut Shell

Bio-oil from coconut shell pyrolysis has a very acidic pH and is corrosive due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Phenol is corrosive and can cause damage to the engine. If the bio-oil is intended to be used as an alternative diesel fuel, the phenol content needs to be removed. Phenol actually has an economic value that can be used as disinfectants, resins, pesticides, explosives, drugs and dyes. Separation of phenol from bio-oil can be carried out using liquid-liquid extraction method by utilising solvent as separator, where the liquid phase separation utilises the different solubility of compound to be separated between carrier and solvent solution. In this work, bio-oil produced by pyrolysis of coconut shell was extracted using aqueous methanol as a solvent. The extraction process was carried out for 60 min, and then separated using separating funnel through two phases, i.e., the extract phase and the raffinate phase. The extract phase and the raffinate phase of each extraction processes are analysed with gas chromatography (GC) to obtain the concentration of each component. The objective of this work is to study the effects of the temperature and speed of stirring on the distribution coefficient and the yield of phenol extraction from bio-oil produced by pyrolysis of coconut shell. The analysis results show that the highest distribution coefficient and the yield of phenol extraction was obtained at 50°C and 250 rpm stirring speed.

Antioxidant capacity and immunomodulatory effects of a chrysolaminarin-enriched extract in Senegalese sole

The microalgae are an important source of bioactive molecules including β-glucans that can be used as immunostimulants in aquaculture. In the present study, the antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory activity of a chrysolaminarin-enriched extract obtained from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum was evaluated. The extract showed a higher total antioxidant activity as determined by ORAC and FRAP assays and a lower DPPH scavenging activity than particulate yeast-β-glucan. The cytotoxicity test indicated that extract concentrations higher than 0.01% w/v could impair cell viability of human dermal fibroblasts. To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity, juvenile soles were intraperitoneally injected with the chrysolaminarin-enriched extract suspended in coconut oil (1 mg/fish) followed by a reinjection at 7 days. A sham group injected with the carrier solution was maintained as a negative control. Cumulated mortality of fish injected with the chrysolaminarin-enriched extract was 29.4% after six days and no mortality was recorded after extract reinjection. Expression analyses of fifteen genes related to the innate immune system in kidney, spleen and intestine showed temporal and organ-specific responses. A rapid (2 days post-injection; dpi) and strong induction of the pro-inflammatory il1b and the antimicrobial peptide hamp1 in the three immunological organs, the hsp90aa in kidney and spleen, irf3 in intestine and c3 in spleen was observed indicating a potent inflammatory response. The recovery of steady-state levels for all activated genes at 5 dpi, and the down-regulation of c-lectin receptor as well as some interferon-related genes (ifn1, irf1, irf3, irf8, irf9 and mx) in kidney and cxc10 in spleen indicated that the soles were able to activate a homeostatic response against the β-glucan insult. The reinjection of the chrysolaminarin-enriched extract did not activate a new inflammatory response but reduced the mRNA levels of hsp90aa and irf3 indicating that soles developed some resistance to β-glucans. Overall, these results reveal this enriched extract as a novel and potent source of β-glucans with antioxidant and immunomodulatory capacity suitable for immunostimulation in aquaculture.

Pharmacologic Properties of the Carrier Solutions for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Comparative Analyses Between Water and Lipid Carrier Solutions in the Rat Model

BackgroundCarrier solutions play an important role in the distribution, plasma absorption, chemical stability, and solubility of anticancer agents during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In the current study, lipophilic properties of carrier solutions were evaluated to determine whether they improved anticancer drug absorption rates using mitomycin-C (MMC) or oxaliplatin HIPEC as compared to hydrophilic carrier solutions.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: MMC and oxaliplatin treatment groups. Each group was then further subdivided by carrier solution: Dianeal® PD-2 peritoneal dialysis solution, 5% dextrose solution and 20% lipid solution (Lipision®). HIPEC was performed over 60 min at 41–42 °C using the anticancer drugs MMC (35 mg/m2) or oxaliplatin (460 mg/m2). The plasma area under the curve (AUC; AUCplasma), peritoneal AUC (AUCperitoneum), and peritoneal/plasma AUC ratios were compared among HIPEC carrier solutions.ResultsPlasma drug concentrations were significantly different among carrier solutions, varying by time. In contrast, peritoneal drug concentrations did not change with carrier solution. In the MMC group, the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio of a lipid solution was three times higher than Dianeal® (p < 0.001). In the oxaliplatin group, the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio was significantly different between carrier solutions (p = 0.046). Although the oxaliplatin AUCperitoneum did not vary (p = 0.941), the AUCplasma of a lipid solution was lower than that of 5% dextrose solution (p = 0.039).ConclusionsThe lipid carrier solution increases the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio and decreases plasma absorption rates. However, further study is required before clinical uses, considering its pharmacologic properties and possible risks after HIPEC.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by fungi and their antibacterial activity

Nanotechnology is fast advancing and has currently become more effective than the conventional technologies used in water treatment for unconventional water supply sources. Fungi are more versatile in growth and metal tolerance in contrast to bacterial population. This work aims to achieve fourfold objectives: (1) demonstrate the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticle by using two filamentous fungi Penicillium citreonigrum Dierckx and Scopulariopsis brumptii Salvanet-Duval, isolated from east of Lake Burullus; (2) demonstrate the biosynthesized nano-silver particles by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The functional group of protein molecules surrounding silver nanoparticles was identified using Fourier transform infrared analysis; (3) check the antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles at two concentrations (550.7 and 676.9 mg/l) and interact it with bacteria for different durations (15, 60 and 120 min); (4) use the polyurethane foam as silver carrier and nano-silver solution for the removal of pathogenic bacteria in polluted water. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial property on gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.

Determination of fatty acid methyl esters in cosmetic castor oils by flow injection - electrospray ionization - high resolution mass spectrometry.

The goal of this work was to set up a high throughput procedure for the determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in cosmetic castor oils using flow injection - electrospray ionization - high resolution mass spectrometry, and to demonstrate the need of such analysis for the quality control purposes. The sample aliquot was mixed with isooctane:chloroform (1:1) and submitted to transesterification; the obtained FAMEs were appropriately diluted using water:isopropanol:acetonitrile (20:50:30) with addition of sodium formate which served as an internal standard, lock mass calibrant and promoted the formation of sodium adducts during electrospray ionization (ESI). The principle of flow injection analysis (FIA) was applied for sample introduction to an ESI - quadrupole- time of flight mass spectrometer (ESI-QTOFMS). The carrier solution was composed of water:isopropanol:acetonitrile (20:50:30). From the acquired MS data, flowgrams of the extracted [M+Na]+ ions were obtained using the following m/z values for individual FAMEs: 293.2451 (C16:0); 315.2295 (C18:3); 317.2451 (C18:2); 319.2608 (C18:1); 321.2764 (C18:0); 335.2557 (C18:1,OH); 349.3077 (C20:0); 377.3390 (C22:0) and m/z 226.9515 for IS. Baseline-subtracted and filtered signals were integrated and the list of peaks intensities was exported to Excel, where calibration functions were obtained and quantification carried out. Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) was used as an alternative analytical tool. The calibration detection limits for FAMEs of unsaturated fatty acids were in the range 3.61 - 8.62 μg L-1 and for saturated compounds in the range 8.51 - 82.4 μg L-1 . The results obtained for commercial were in good agreement with GC-FID data; among nine cosmetic oils analyzed, three contained low concentrations of ricinoleic acid (C18:1, OH), indicating adulteration of castor bean oil with other vegetable oils. Application of FIA for the sample introduction to ESI-QTOFMS enabled for reliable determination of FAMEs in cosmetic oils with sampling frequency of thirty per hour as compared to two samples per hour achievable using GC-FID. The proposed procedure is especially well suited for FAMEs of unsaturated fatty acids that are primary components of castor triacylglycerides, and contribute to desirable properties of any cosmetic oil. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.